Ore-treating apparatus.



AfJ. ARBUGKLE.

ORB. TREATING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 21, 1909.

1,036,535, Patented Aug.27 ,1912.

4 SHEETSSHEET 1.

A. J. ARBUGKLE. ORE TREATING APPARATUS.

APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 21, 1909. v 1336,5350 Patented Aug. 27, 1912.

I 4 SHEBTSSHEET 2.

A. J. ARBUGKLE.

ORB T REATING APPARATUS. APPLIOATLON FILED JUNE 21, 1909.

'1,Q36,535, Patented Aug.27, 1912.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

A. J. ARBUGKLE.

ORB TREATING APPARATUS;

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 21, 1909.

1,936,535,, Patented Aug.27,1912.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

an snares earner rich,

ALEXANDER JOHN ARBUCKLE,- F JOHANNESBURG, TRAN SVAAL, ASSIGNOR OF ONE- HALF TO THE ANGLO FRENCH EXPLORATION COMPANY, LIMITED, OF LONDON,

ENGLAND.

Specification of Letters latent.

I onn-rnna'rrne arrann'rus.

Application filed J'une 2'1; 1909. Serial No. 503,508.

To all whom-it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALEXANDER J OHN An BUCKLE, a subject of the King ofGreat'Britain, and resident of Johannesburg, Trans-- vaal, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Ore-Treating Apparatus,

' of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a means or apparatus primarily designed for separating crushed ore products from water, cyani'd or other solutions, wash-water or other liquid.

As examples of'the uses to whichmy invention may be advantageously put in metallurgical operations, I may instance the separation of the particles of ore from the liquid of battery pulp the mixture of crushed ore products. and liquid as it comes from the crushing or reduction plantand the separation of any of the aforementioned liquids from sands the coarse particles of crushed ore productsor slimes -the fine particles of such products.

The invention is also equally applicable for continuously separating "the liquid and solid components of other fluid masses.

The apparatus may be adapted for dealing with fluid masses containing either a high or low percentage of comminuted solid matter. By its use it is possible to obtain suit-able filters, or both. This receiving vessel is constructed for the whole or any suitable portion of its height with downwardly and inwardly inclined or converging sides.

To the bottom of the receiving and settling vessel is aflixed a piece or casting which is constructed interiorly'to provide one or a plurality of lateral chambers or compartments. These chambers or compartments ma bezformed either singly or in groups an in any suitable position or positions around the piece of castlng. For each lateral chamber or compartment I provide a conveyer, consisting. of a shaft around which are helicallydisposed blades or plates in the form of an intermittent screw-thread. The construction of this screw conveyer (or screw conveyers) is an important feature of my'invention. A portion of one end of the screw works in the lateral chamber. remainder of the screw is inclosed by a suitable casing which at one end is connected with the'piece or casting and at the other end suitably carried by'the structure supporting the receiving'vessel, or otherwise.

When a plurality of conveyers is employed arranged in one ormore groups, then the conveyer casing for each group is divided into a number of separate compartments corresponding to the number of con- The Patented Aug. 27, 1912.

veyers provided in the group, The screw conveyer or conveyers may be arranged either wlth their. axes horizontal or at any desired inclination, in order to lift the sepa- .rated solids to anydesired oint, say into another vessel. The shaft or shafts of the the conveyer casing by the action of the;

screw conveyer or conveyers. Arrangement may be made for putting any one or more of the conveyers out of operation, as found necessary; or desirable according to the quantity of solid matter contained in the mixture being treated.

VVhen intended more particularly for dealing with a fluid mass containing a low percentage-of comminuted solid matter, I

preferably provide in the receiving'vessel a,

filtering device or devices for removing or assisting in the removal of the liquid component of the mass from said vessel. Any

desired number of such filters or filtering de-. vices may be provided and be arranged intiers or'otherwise inside the vessel in suitable positions below the level of the overflow and above the normal level of'the settled solids. I These filters may be so arranged that anyparticular filter or set or sets of filters can be brought into operation as required according to the percentage of liquid contained in the pulp or mixture being separated.

The filters may conveniently comprise suitably shaped skeleton frames covered preferably top and bottom with wire screening or perforated plates and canvas or other suitable filtering material or materials. The frames-are connected with suction and preferably also with back pressure creating.

the-uppermost and below the lowermost set' or tier. Each of the arms has aflixed to it by means of brackets and tension screws one or more Wires or thin metal strips or bands for cutting or severing the solids deposited on the exterior surfaces of the filtering material. The arms which move above the upper surfaces of the top set or tier of filters and the arms which move beneath the lower surfaces of the bottom set or tier of filters are provided with one wire or thin met-a1 strip, While the arms which work between the several sets or tiers of filters are provided with two of such Wires or metal strips, one for the lower surfaces of the upper set or tier of filters, and the other for the upper surfaces of the lower set or tier of filters. p

The wires or metal strips or hands are so disposed that they sever the layer of solid matter as close as possible to the surfaces of' the filtering material. The arms which .carry the Wires or metal strips or bands serve to scrape or remove the layer of solid matter severed by the wires or bands, and to deliver it over a vertical passage formed by and between the several sets or tiers of filters. If desired, the means for severing the layer of solids deposited on the filters may be dispensed with and the apparatus be so arranged that the back pressure flow through the filters takes place while the arm or armsare passing over said filter or filters.

The several filters comprising each set or tier are supported inside the vessel by suitable carriers or frames fixed to the vesselat' the outer ends and connected together at their inner ends. These frames are so disposed that, an unobstructed passage is formed-between the several filters of each set or tier and between all the tiers so that the solids scraped off the filters can fall freely to the bottom of -the vessel. The filters of each tier from the top to the bottom of the vessel are made somewhat smaller or narrower than those of the tier above, and the filter carriers from the top to the bottom of the vessel are made correspondingly wider. This construction allows the filters of each i set or tier to pass freely through the carriers of the sets or tiers above, and thereby facilitates the removal of the filters from the vessel. The vertical-shaft which is utilized to actuate the scrapers has preferably affixed to it in its lower'portion a plurality of radial arms for feeding or delivering the settled- ,solids into the lateral chamber or chambers.

The pulp or mixture is preferably introduced into the vessel by means-0f aninteriorly slotted annular feed pipe, which is positioned at a suitable point below, the level of the lowermost set or tier offilters, and above the normal level of the settled solids. An annular overflow or rim launder is preferably provided around the top of the receiving and settling vessel to receive the overflowing clear liquid. A water supply is preferably provided for. the bottom bearing of the scraper shaft to keep it clear of solids or gritty matter. If desired, means may also be provided for introducing a supply of water into the lower end of each of the'lateral compartments. When a number of the conveyers are arranged in a group one of thegroup may be 'driven directly and the others driven from it by means of suitable toothed'wheels. Stuffing boxes and glands are provided around the conveyer shaft or "form part of this specification, I illustrate a. practical embodiment of my invention.

In the drawings Figure 1 is an elevation of the' apparatus with apportion of the screw conveyer casing broken away to show a portion of one of the screws. Fig. 2 is a plan of thepiece or casting which is fixed to the bottom of the vessel and is const-ructed to provide the lateral compartments for the conveyer screwsi Fig. 3 is a view of that ortion of the piece or casting formceiving vessel illustrating the frames or carrlers forthe filters andone of each of the ing t 1e lateral'compartments, as seen from the underside. Fig. 4 1S :1. plan of the rethree sets or tiers of filters in position. Fig.

his a sectional elevation of the upper portion of the vessel illustrating the three setsof filters, their carriers and the scrapers for removing the solid matter. Fig. dis a iongitudinal section of one of the top set or tier of filters. Fig. 7 is a transverse section of Fig. 6 showing the filtering material in position on the top and bottom ofthe skeleton frame. Fi 8 is a view similar :to Fig. 6 of one of the intermediate set or tier of filters. Fig. .9 is a transverse section of Fig. 8. Fig. it) is a view similar to Figs. "6 and 8 of one of e bottom set .or tierof filters. Fig. 11 is a transverse section of Fig. 1.0, Fig. 12 is a planof the apparatus with the filters and :filter carriers removed. showing the scrapers and their actuating means. Fig. 13 is an'elevation of the outer .end of one .of the scraper arms showing the means for'fixing the .wires or bands which cut-"the solid matter deposited on {the filters. ig. 14 is an elevation of a {portion of the other end of the arm also illustrating :the gmeans Lfor fixing the .wires or .loa-nds. Fig. 15 as a transverse section of Fig. :13 on the line :rw. Fig. 16is a plan of Fig. 13. Fig. 1.7 is an end elevation .of .the conveyer screw. Fig. 18 is an elevation'of one of the helically disposed plates of the conveyor screw. EF'ig. 19 is a section of Fig. 18. Fig. 20 ism-horizon-ta'l section of the receiving -vessel illustrating the construction and arrangement of the pipe for introducing the pulp or mass into the vessel. Fig. 21 is an elevation of one of the .filters, detached and drawn to an enlarged scale, illustratingthe means ,for fixing thereto the filtering fabric. Fig. 22 isa planvof one of the clampingbands 45 for fixing the filtering fabric 44 around th skeleton frame 41 of the .filter. 1 represents the receiving vessel with converging bottom. It may, as shown in Figs. 1 and 12, comp-rise a hollow cylindrical upper portion, extending to any desired and suitable height, and a :hollow inverted and truncated conical lower portion; or, as shown inFigs. 4 and 5, it may be in the form of a hollow inverted conical frustum, and thehollow cylindrical upper portion be dispensed with.

. 2 represents an annular-overflow or rim launder surrounding .the upper edge ofthe vessel 1. ThlS launder 2 serves for receiving the clear liquid overflowing ifrom .vessel 1. When no :filters are provided in .the receiving vessel 1, then launder 2 servesfor receiving all the clear liquid. \Vhen the-filters are employed .I prefer to provide the settling vessel 1 with the launder 2 to receive the liquid in case it should overflow, or to receive aiportion of the liquid when the filtors are used for assisting in the removal of theliquid from the vessel 1. The vessel 1 is carried by a suitable frame work comprising the several members 3.

4see. Figs. 1, 2 and 3-is the hollow piece orcasting which is positioned at and fitted to the bottom of the vessel 1. It is constructed at the top, as indicated at 5, to receive the lower end of the conical portion of the vessel 1 and make a fluid tight joint therewith. it closes the bottom of the vessel 1 and is shown constructed on the one side see Fig. 2-. to provide three lateral chambers or compartments 6, all communieating with the interior of the casting 4 and .vessel 1.

7se e Fig. 12a-re .Webs formed on the inside of the casting 4 which divide the three chambers 6. The casting 4 is supported in position beneath the vessel 1 on the one side by means of the legs .or supports 8,which at their flapper ends are attached to the casting and at their lower ends are secured to the base plate .9 an'.l on the other side by n eansof thestandard or support 10 fixed to the base plate 9- and to the casting 4. The lower end of that portion ofthe casting .4 which -,provides the three lateral compartments 6 is closed by means of a plate 11, which is .bo'lted or otherwise secured to a flange :12 formed upon the casting 4. Plate :1 is constructed to provide three stufiing boxes :13 one for each of the lateral compartments 6-see Fig.3. 14 represent the shafts of the three screw conveyers, one arranged in each of :the.three compartments 6. The

shafts l4 at-their lower ends project through c the stuffing boxes 13-which latter have glands l5 -for;preventing the egress of liquid from-the casting. The shafts of the two out-- side.conveyers run in footst'ep or other suit-- able bearings 16 carried by supports 17 fixed between the legs 8 and the standard orsupport 10. The shaft of the center conveyer, which is somewhat longer than the other-two, runs in a footstep or similar bearing 18 fixed to the base plate 9. In the arrangementshown the three conveyer shafts 14 aredriven from-the bottom, but it is to be understood that they may, if preferred, be driven from .the top, or from both bottom and top.

The driving means for the shafts 14 are shown comprising a shaft 19 on which is provided a worm 20 gearing a worm wheel 21 fixed on the intermediate shaft 14. The motionis transmitted from the intermediate shaft 14 to the two outside shafts 14 by a toothed wheel 22 fixed to said intermediate shaft gearing toothed wheels 23 fixed on the outside shafts. Although I show the casting 4 constructed for one group of three conveyers it is apparent that it might be constructed for :more or less, and that they might be arranged either singly or in groups of 'two or more in any suitable positions around the casting.

24 is the casing which incloses those portions of the three screw conveyers which eX- tend beyond the casting 4. This casing, which when in position forms a continuation of the three lateral compartments-6, is

rectangular in cross section and is provided with two partitions corresponding to the webs 7 in the casting 4. It may be constructed of wood or other suitable material.

The casting 4 is recessed or constructed as indicated at -25 to receive and support the lower end of the casing 24. The other and upper end of the casing 24'is shown carried by posts 26 and timbers 27. A beam 28 fixed to the timbers 27 serves for carrying the three bearings 29 for the upper ends of the shafts-see Figs. 1 and 12.

supported by the timbers 27, for receiving the solids carried up the casing 24 by the action of the three screw conveyers and discharged thereby through the open upper end of said casing. This chute may bearranged to deliver the solids into another vessel or into vehicles or other means for conveying them to any desired place. The casing 24 may be extended in an upward direction in order to raise the point of discharge of the solids if desired. It is shown arranged at the same inclination as-the sides of the converging ortion of the vessel 1 but it may be arrange horizontally or at any other suitable inclination.

The manner of constructing the screw. conveyers will be readily understood on reference to Figs. 1 and 17 to 19 of the drawings. The shaft 14 of each conveyer is formed with flats, and the plates 31, which when threaded on the shaft form the intermittent screw thread or threads, are, as shown in Figs. 17 to 19, formed with a hole 32 at the center corresponding to the cross section of the shaft. The flat' or flats in the hole 32 are so positioned in relation to the rojection or projections 33, which form the intermittent helix or helices, as to main-- tain the plates 31 in correct position in rela-' tion' to each other when threaded on the shaft. The plates 31, may, as shown, be constructed with the two oppositely disposed projections 33 to form a double-threaded screw, or they may be formed with one such projection so as, to form a single-threaded screw, or with more than two of such projections, to provide any desired number of threads. i

34 in Figs. 18 and 19 represent projections formed on the plates for maintaining them the pro er distance apart when upon the shaft. nstead of or in addition to the projections 34 separate distance pieces may be placed upon theshaft between the plates 31. The plates 31 may, as shown, be made flat 'so that the projections 33 each lie in a plane at right. angles to the axis of their shaft; they may if preferred be suitably inclined tosaid axis.

35 represents ,a pipe which can be utilized,- if found necessary or desirable, for conducting water or other suitable liquid into the bottom of the casting 4; one of'such pipes 35can be rovided located at the center, or

- one for eac compartment 6 if required.

In the arrangement illustrated in Figs. 1,

4 and 5, I show three sets or tiers of removable .filters arranged in the vessel 1 but it is to be understood that a greater or less number of. tiers may be provided and each tier consists of one or any desired number of filters! The filters will usually be provided when the mixture to be treated contains only i a small percentage of comminuted solid mat- 30 is a chute, which may be conveniently ter. Each set or tier isshown comprising eight filters.

, 36 represents the to filters-one of which is shown in detail in *igs. 6 and 7-, 37 the intermediate filters-one of which is shown in detail in Figs. 8 and 9and 38 the bottom filtersone of which. is shown in detail in Figs. 10 and 11.v The several filters of each set or tier from the top to the bottom are made somewhat narrower than the filters of the set or tier or sets or tiers above,

so as to allow of their being readily removed from the vessel when necessary.

The carriers for the several sets or tiers of filters are clearly shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

They comprise a horizontally arranged substantially rectangular frame139, bolted, riveted or otherwise suitably fixed at the outer end to the inside of the vessel 1, and

formed at the inner end with lugs or projections 40 which serve for bolting or otherwise suitably connecting the 'inner ends of all the frames in-the form of a ring. The carriers for the intermediate and bottom tiers of filtersare constructed and arranged in like manner. As shown. in Fig. 4 the carriers for the intermediate tier offilters are somewhat wider than those for the top tier, and those for the bottom tier slightly wider than those for the intermediate tier, to correspond to'the decrease in the width of the filters from the top to the bottom of the vessel.

The filters of the several tiers, as shown more particularly in Figs. 6 tell, consist of a skeleton frame 41, which is ribbed transversely, top and bottom, as indicated at 42. These ribs 42 serve for carrying the wire screening or perforated plates 43 which are arranged in recesses formed in the top and bottom ofthe frame 41. Over the screening or plates 43'is preferably stretched canvas or other suitab e textile fabric44. The fabric 44 is secured upon the to and bottom of the frame 41 by means of clamping bands or wires, 45 see Figs. 21 and 22 located in recesses or grooves 46 formed around the outside of the frame 41. The frames 41 tween the coverings o'f filtering material.

One branch 49 of the three-way piece 48 is coupled up to any suitable-suction or vacuum creating apparatus for drawing the liquid component of the mass through the interstices of the filtering material. The other branch 50 ofthe. three-way piece 48 is connected with any suitable back pressure creating means for producing, if and when desired, a back pressure, or a flow in the oposite direction to the suctional and filtering l low. Any suitable means'may be employed for bringing the suction and back pressure apparatus 1nto operation atany desired periods in the operation of the apparatus, say for closing the filters to suction and opening them to back pressure when the scrapers (hereinafter described) are passing over the surfaces of the filterlng material. The operation of controlling the suction and back pressure apparatus may be effected by hand, in which case the suction can be maintained until such time as it is necessary to cleanse the filtering material by admitting the back pressure flow. The pipes or connections from the severalfilters may be provide with valves or other means for shutting off any particular filter or set of filters as may be required in the operation of the machine.

The means for removing the adhering solid matter which is deposited upon the surfaces of. the filtering material comprise the vertical shaft 51. Shaft 51 at its lower end runs in a bearing 52 provided on the inside of the casting 4 and at or in proximity to its upper end in a bearing 53 carried by angle iron or other suitable members arranged across the top of the vessel. The rotary motion is imparted to shaft 51 by means-of worm Wheel 55 fixed to the upper end of the shaft gearing a worm 56 upon a driving shaft 57. Motion may be imparted to the shaft 57 by any convenient means to drive the shaft 51 at a suitable rate of speed, which will to some extent depend uponthe quantity of solids contained in the mixture be-' ing treated. 58 represent horizontally arrangedscraper arms which are fixed radially to the shaft 51 by means of hub members 59.

As shown more particularly in Fig. 5, four sets of the radial arms are provided =up0n the shaft 51 and each set comprises four arms. The upper set of arms 58 works above the upper filtering surfaces of the top tier of filters, the two intermediate sets between the top and intermediate and intermediate and bottom tiers of filters, and the lower set beneath the bottom tier of filters.

Each of the scraper arms has fixed to it a wire or wires or thinmetal band or hands 60 for cutting the solids as close as possible to the surface of the filtering material. In the case of the top and bottom sets of arms 58 one wire or band only isnecessary, as these arms serve only for removing the solids from the upper surfaces of the topfilters and the lower surfaces of the bottom filters respectively. In the case of the two intermediate sets of arms 58 two wires or bands are requisite as these arms serve for removing the solids from the bottom of one tier of filters and also from the top of tier below.

For securing the wires or bands 60 to the scraper arms, brackets 61'-see Figs. 13 to l6'are riveted or otherwise suitably secured at or in proximity to the inner and outer ends of the arms. Tension screws 62,

which are formed with a square portion which passes through correspondingly shaped holes in the brackets 61, have attached to one end-see Figs. 13, 1% and 16 the end of the wire or band 60.

63 are nuts on the screws 62 for securing the latter in position after the. wire or'band i has been made taut. By forming portions of the screws square and constructing the holes in the brackets 61 of the same shape it operates to maintain the bands horizontal and insures their taking a clean cut through the solids. The bands or wires 60 are attached 'to the arms in av manner that will admit of their passing as close as. possible to the surfaces of the filtering material. It will be evident that after the solids have been severed by the bands the arms scrape the same oii the surfaces of the filters and deliver themover the passages ca formed between the filters by the carrier frames 39, down which they fall to the bottom of the vessel 1. For the purpose of feeding or delivering the settled. solids to the lateral chambers or compartments 6, a number of radial blades or arms 65 are preferably securedin any suitable manner to the lower portion of the vertical shaft 51.. These arms 65 may be inclined or twisted longitudinally so as to operate like a screw to force the solids in a downwarddirection.

66 represents a pipe for conducting water or other liquid to the bearing 52 provided in the casting ,4 for the lower end of the shaft 51, in order to prevent the entrance of gritty matter and so obviate excessive wear.

6'? is the annular interiorly slotted feed pipe-see Figs. 1 and 20.

68 in Fig. 20' indicates the pipe conveying the pulp or mixture to the feed pipe 67 from which latter it passes into vessel 1 through the slot 69-eee Fig. 1. The feed pipe 6? is supported by means of a suitable bracket 70 fixed inside the vessel 1. The

pipe 67 is located in asuitable position beneath the lowermost set or tier of filters and above the normal level of the settled solids.

The operation of "the apparatus ispertectly obvious from the foregoing detailed description and need not he further describe The construction of the screw conveyor hereinbefore described constitutes the subject matter of an application filed May 15, 1911 Serial No. 627330 which is a division of the present application.

What I claim as my invention and desire to protect by Letters Patent is I means for feeding said solids from the vessel 1 into said lateral compartments, and means for driving the conveyers.

2. Inapparatus for the purpose described, in combination, a settling vessel, a screw conveyer for withdrawing the settled solids from said vessel, means for feeding the settled solids to said conveyer, said means comprising a vertlcalshaft and radial arms or blades, and means for conducting water to the bearing for the vertical shaft to prevent the entrance thereinto of gritty matter.

3. In apparatus for the purpose described,

in combination, a settling vessel, a piece or casting arranged at the bottom of the settling vessel, said piece orv casting being constructed with a pluralityof lateral compartments communicating with the vessel,'a plurality of conveyers working in said lateral compartments for withdrawing the settled solids from the vessel, a casing surrounding those portions of the conveyers extending beyond the lateral compartments, said cas ing having separate compartments for each conveyer, means for supporting the conveyer shafts, means for driving one ofsaid shafts, and means for driving the other conveyer shafts from the directly driven shaft.

4. In apparatus for the purpose described,

in combination, a settling vessel having a converging bottom, a piece or casting fixed to the bottom of said vessel said piece or casting having a lateral compartment, a

screw conveyerfor removing the settled solids arranged in said lateral compartment. a casing for surrounding that portion of the conveyer without the lateral compartmcnt, means located in the vessel for feeding the settled solids into the lateral compartment, said latter means coinprising a vertical shaft and spirally disposed arms or blades upon said shaft.

5. In apparatus for the purpose described,

in combination, a settling vessel, a conveyer for withdrawing the settled solids from said vessel, means for feeding the settled solids from the vessel tothe conveyer, and means for introducing the mixture of solids and liquid into the vessel-above the normal level of said settled solids.

6. In apparatus for the purpose described, in combination, a settling vessel, a conveyer for withdrawing the settled solids from said vessel, means for feeding the settled solids from the vessel to the. conveyer, and means for introducing the mixture of solids and liquid into the, vessel above the normal level of said settled solids, said latter means com prising an annular interiorly slotted feed v plpe. i

7. In apparatus for the purpose described in combination, a settling vessel, a conveyer for withdrawing the settled solids therefrom, a casing inclosing said conveyer, said casing communicating with the settling vessel, means for feeding the settled solids from the vessel to said casing, said means comprising a vertical shaft and radial blades or arms fixed to said vertical shaft, and filtering means in the vessel for removing or assisting in removing the liquid from the vessel.

8. In apparatus for the purpose described in combination, a settling vessel, a conveyer for withdrawing the settled solids therefrom, a casing inclosing said conveyer, said casing communicating with the settling vessel, means for feeding the settled solids from the vessel to said casing, said means com prising a vertical shaft and radial blades or arms fixed to said vertical shaft, and a plurality of filters arranged in tiers in ,the vessel, said tiers of filters being so constructed and supported as to provide free passages between them from the top to the bottom of the vessel. I

9. In apparatus for the purpose described in combination, a settling vessel, a conveyer for withdrawing the settled solids therefrom, a casing inclosing said conveyer, said casing communicating with the settling vessel, means for feeding the settled solids from the vessel to said casing, said means com-' prising a vertical shaft and radial blades or arms fixed to said vertical shaft, a plurality of filters arranged in tiers in the vessel. and rectangular frames for carrying said filters, said frames being fixed at their outer ends to the inside of the settling vessel and connected together at their inner ends and arranged to provide passages between the filters from the top to the bottom of thevessel. 10. In apparatus for the purpose described in combination, a settling vessel, a conveyer for withdrawing the settled solids there from, a casing inclosing said conveyer, said casing communicating with the settling vessel, means for feeding the settled solids from the vessel to said casing, said means comprising a vertical shaft and radial blades or arms fixed to said vertical shaft, a plurality recesses of filters arranged in tiers in the vessel, rectangular frames for carrying said filters, said frames being fixed at their outer ends to the inside of the settling vessel and connected together at their inner ends and arranged to provide passages between the filters from the top to the bottom of the vessel, and means for cutting the settled solids and scraping the same off the surfaces of the filters.

11. In apparatus for the purpose described in combination, a settling vessel, a conveyer for withdrawing the settled solids therefrom, a. casing inclosing said conveyer, said casing communicating with the settling vessel, means for feeding the settled solids from the vessel to said casing, said'means comprising a vertical shaft and radial blades or arms llXEil to said vertical shaft, a plurality of filters arranged in tiers in the vessel, rectangular frames for carrying said filters, said frames being fixed at their outer ends to the inside of the settling vessel and con nected together at their inner ends and arranged to provide passages between the filters from the top to the bottom of the vessel, said latter means comprising radial arms fixed to the vertical shaft aforesaid, Wires or bands fixed to said arms and means for maintaining said Wires or hands taut.

12. In apparatus for the purpose described in combination, a settling vessel; a conveyer for withdrawing the settled solids there- :rom, a casing inclosing said conveyer, said casing communicating with the settling vessel, means for feeding the settled solids from the vessel to said casing, said means comprising a vertical shaft and radial blades or arms fixed to said vertical shaft, a plurality of filters arranged in tiers in the vessel, and rectangular frames for carrying said filters,

said frames being fixed at their outer ends to the inside of the settling vessel and connected together at their inner ends, the filters of each set or tier from the top to the bottom of the vessel being made somewhat narrower and the carriers therefor made correspondingly Wider for the purpose set forth.

in testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

ALEXANDER JOHN ARBUCKLE. Witnesses:

CHAS. OvENnALn, RA. OVENDALE. 

